Interviews: Iron Wings

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Thrash Metal/Heavy Metal band, Iron Wings, from Latvia. Check out the interview and follow the band on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or came out just like that?

Andris: There were many ideas on how to call our band, but one time we came up with the idea of ​​Iron Wings, which also sounds very good in Latvian. We liked it, and after a while, we knew that it was the name of our band.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

Andris: My whole family is musicians, and rock music has always been a part of it. Beatles, Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, Black Sabbath, etc. I grew up listening to these classical rock monsters while learning professional music from the age of 5. The more I listened, the more I sought out and connected to even heavier music. And when the time came when I started playing and composing music myself, the search stopped right next to the music of the heavy thrash genre.

Dainis: Because it’s fast and aggressive.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

Andris: The group was founded in 2016 and there have been changes in its member composition since its inception. I already know Dainis because he joined the band at the end of 2018. At the same time, I already know Jēkabs, who joins us in this album recording, from his other bands and musical projects, and yes, the fact that Jēkabs also mentioned that we were studying at the Latvian Academy of Music at about the same time. 

Dainis: From the beginning, I didn't know anybody. But out of nowhere they found me on Facebook at the end of 2018 and asked if I want to play in the band. But now I already know Andris, as a member of my band. Not personally, but I also knew Jēkabs from his previous Latvian metal band Sanctimony.

Jēkabs: I knew both guys from their previous bands and some backstage parties in the Latvian metal scene, but I got to know Andris better when where studying at the Latvian Academy of Music roughly at the same time.

4. Each band member favorite band?

Andris: For me would be: Lamb of God, Slayer, Megadeath, Rotting Christ, Motorhead, Texas hippie coalition, Solstafir, Johnny Cash, Led Zeppelin, John Butler Trio.

Dainis: Definitely Children of Bodom.

Jēkabs: The Black Crowes

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs?

Andris: I could say everything that is around me. Good and bad things, events, experiences, etc...

Jēkabs: walking, traveling, touring. Also break-ups, hangovers, and guilt for too much procrastination

6. Where was your last gig?

Andris: Considering how the concert activity is affected by all covid restrictions, our last concert was an acoustic session, which took place in Latvia-bar Zobens & Lemess in January this year.

7. Where would you like to act?

Andris: I like to play wherever people are united and stand for metal as a genre. I like this crazy atmosphere. Connection to the audience and listeners. It's magical! Of course, everyone dreams about some great big gig in a crowded arena, when all folks sing together with you and sing your songs. That would be fantastic. But also not so big arenas share the same feelings when you are connected with your audience. It's the best drug that a musician could get. 

Jēkabs: For me, it would be countries like - USA, China, Japan, Italy, France

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Andris: Lamb of god, Megadeath, Exodus, Testament

Jēkabs: Gojira, Dillinger Escape Plan, Karnivool

9. Whom not?

Andris; Dainis; Jēkabs: Justin Bieber

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

Andris: Of course, many times. It was mostly when I studied at the music academy. But most of that was then when I need to play by myself alone. In a band you all are like one big organism. If something goes wrong, especially at the start of your career, the biggest secret weapon is your bandmates. If you trust them, you can get over almost everything. Of course, there will be some failures, some bad concerts, but also bad experience is still experience.

Dainis: Yes, I have. The cure is not the best one, but it works. At the first gigs, I always needed to drink at least two beers before I go on stage. After a time the stage fright went away.

Jēkabs: Remember that we’re all gonna die and looking silly or fucking something up on stage doesn’t really mean that much. I used to have terrible stage fright and there are techniques to deal with it, but I think the best way is to just play as many shows as possible and get used to being in different situations. Also, a beer or two might help, but don’t lose to the booze!

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Andris: Definitely Lamb of god, Slayer, Led Zeppelin, and many classical composers like: Beethoven, Wagner, Berlioz and closer to our century: Glass, Riley, Part.

Dainis: Children of bodom, Nightwish, and of course Black Sabbath.

Jēkabs: Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pantera, Bon Jovi, RHCP, Entombed, Devin Townsend, Alice in Chains, Jeff Buckley, Incubus

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

Andris: There are some things which are better kept a secret

Jēkabs: Probably to buy them a drink

13. What do you think of your fans?

Andris: They are power and a fuel that fill me up. Without them I don't think i could do that. Like I said before. This connection between listener and musician is magical and like a drug for me.

14. What do you think of our site?

Andris, Dainis, Jēkabs: It's quite easy to understand.

15. Something to add?

Andris, Dainis, Jēkabs: No, just thanks to Breathing the Core for interview.